Field operations weekly report, 2010 September 5-11

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report September 5-11, 2010
This report is a broad sampling of events that have taken place in the past week, but does not include all actions taken by the Law Enforcement Section.

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
BARTOW COUNTY On September 5th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Chip Cox were patrolling the Etowah River in Bartow County and stopped to check people fishing under the Highway 411 Bridge. The Rangers found a Dodge truck backed up to the river bank and two people fishing. As they approached the truck, one of the men saw the Rangers and quickly walked around the other side of the truck taking an object from the bed of the truck. Sgt. Mike Barr noticed two butane torches sitting on the passenger seat and Cpl. Cox found a black bag which had been tossed in the grass near the truck. The bag contained a meth pipe, a syringe, spoon, and suspected meth. One of the men was arrested and charged with fishing without a license, possession of drug objects, and violation of the Georgia controlled substance act for the suspected methamphetamine.
CHEROKEE COUNTY On September 5th, RFC Bart Hendrix and RFC James Psillis responded to a 911 call of a missing person in the water on Lake Allatoona at the mouth of Kellogg Creek. A 41 year old man from Marietta had been swimming with friends near the Boy Scout area when his friends noticed he was missing. Unfortunately, the man had drowned. The body was recovered by divers from Cherokee County in approximately 25 feet of water. The incident is under investigation. After dark on September 5th, RFC Bart Hendrix and RFC James Psillis received a call from Cherokee County 911 of an unconscious man in a boat near Harbor Town Marina. The Rangers responded by boat. When they arrived, they spoke with a Cherokee County Deputy on shore at the marina who said that a boat matching the description given during the 911 call had suddenly taken off quickly when they saw the police. Suspecting that the occupants might be intoxicated and that a passenger might still need help in the boat, the Rangers searched for the boat on the north end of Lake Allatoona. They were unable to locate the vessel.

Late on September 5th, RFC Bart Hendrix and RFC James Psillis were in Victoria Marina searching for a boat when they noticed another boat coming across the lake with a white bow light and no stern light. They stopped the Galaxy boat and immediately noticed that the operator showed signs of intoxication. RFC Hendrix also recognized the operator as a person he had previously arrested for boating under the influence. The operator was checked through field sobriety exercises and did not perform well. He refused to submit to a state administered test of his breath and was arrested. He was charged with boating under the influence of alcohol and transported to the Cherokee County Jail.
GILMER COUNTY On September 11th, Conservation Rangers assisted the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office with security during a Ku Klux Klan rally at the Ellijay courthouse.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
GWINNETT COUNTY On September 11th, Sgt. Lee Brown answered a complaint of fishing with illegal bait at Abbott's Bridge boat ramp. Sgt. Brown encountered the subject and issued him written warnings for fishing with illegal bait and fishing for trout with two poles.
Later in the afternoon Sgt. Brown was patrolling Settle's Bridge checking fisherman and boaters. Three fishermen that Sgt. Brown checked didn't have the required fishing license and were fishing for trout with illegal bait. Written warnings were issued for fishing without a license and fishing with illegal bait.
FORSYTH COUNTY On September 11th, Sgt. Brown was the first on the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles. After checking to make sure that no one was injured Sgt. Brown contacted the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. Sgt. Brown directed traffic until a deputy arrived.
ROCKDALE COUNTY On September 7th, Cpl. Eric Sanders conducted an Online Hunter Education Course at Johnson Park in Conyers. During this course a total of nine students were certified in Hunter Education.
WHITE COUNTY On Sept. 11th, RFC David Webb checked an area in White County where he received information about a tree stand being on private property with corn on the ground around it. RFC Webb located the tree stand just after daylight and found someone hunting in it. The hunter claimed he did not know his stand was just across the property line on someone else's property. RFC Webb charged the hunter with hunting big game over bait and issued the man a warning for hunting without permission since he was only a short distance from his property line.

Region III- Thomson (East Central)
WILKES COUNTY On September 9th, Cpl. Julian Wilkins and Rfc. Phillip Nelson investigated a complaint about subjects killing over the limit of doves and hunting over bait. The subjects on the field were supposedly killing over the limit of doves and hiding them. The complaint is still being worked.
LINCOLN COUNTY On September 5th, Cpl. Ryan Swain and Sgt. Doyte Chaffin checked several dove shoots around the county. One baited field was located and the hunters were charged with hunting over bait. The officers also issued warnings for license violations and flagged the field.
On September 6th, Cpl. Ryan Swain and Rfc. Bobby Timmerman checked several dove shoots around the county. One baited field was located and the hunters were charged with hunting over bait. The officers also issued warnings for license violations and flagged the field.
MCDUFFIE COUNTY On September 6th, Cpl. Brian Hobbins and Sgt. Doyte Chaffin checked dove shoots around the county. The officers located a baited field and charged the landowner with hunting a baited field. The field was flagged and the landowner was advised what was necessary to make the field legal.
On September 11th, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin, Rfc. Bobby Timmerman, and Tech Mark Patterson checked waterfowl hunters at Clarks Hill WMA. Officers checked 20 hunters and issued one warning for not having a federal waterfowl stamp.
WARREN COUNTY On September 5th Capt. Thomas Barnard, Cpl. Brian Adams, Rfc. Leroy Ficklin, and Tech Mark Patterson located a baited dove shoot. When officers entered the field one subject ran. The officers apprehended the subject who was a convicted felon. The officers then gathered hunting licenses and ID's from the all of the subjects on the field. In addition to charging all of the hunters with hunting over bait, two subjects were charged with convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and one for obstruction of an officer.

WASHINGTON COUNTY On the evening of September 5th, Cpl. Crawley responded to the Oconee River to locate 4 people stranded in inter-tubes. After 3 hours of searching Officer Crawley contacted RFC Matherly and requested that he meet with a GSP Helicopter pilot in Sandersville to assist in recovering the four individuals. When Cpl. Crawley located the 4 subjects he found that they were becoming hypothermic from the cool temperature and cold water of the river. He successfully moved the four subjects to dry ground and quickly built a fire, and gave up his jacket and other clothing to warm their body's to prevent them from getting full-blown hypothermia. The four subjects were loaded into the helicopter two at a time and flown to the Sandersville Airport.
BURKE COUNTY RFC Matherly checked a subject on Hills Mill Pond road archery hunting. The subject was found to be hunting over bait, which had been found by Sgt. Max Boswell and RFC Billips earlier in the week, and hunting without any hunting license. He was charged hunting big game over bait and hunting without big game license.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BALDWIN COUNTY On September 9th Cpl. Bubba Stanford and Sgt. Bo Kelly were on routine patrol checking for deer bait when they found a stolen Bad Boy Buggy that had been hidden in the woods. The owner of the buggy was notified and the rangers assisted with returning the buggy to the owner's residence. An investigation by Baldwin County detectives has resulted in one arrest for this theft.
On September 11th Josh Copelan cited one hunter for hunting over bait. The case will be heard in Baldwin County state court.
HARRIS COUNTY On September 11th RFC Jeremy Bolen and intern Blake Middleton were patrolling for deer hunting activity when they located a truck which contained an empty bag of corn in the bed. RFC Bolen utilized K-9 Ruger to track the subject from the truck to the deer stand. After locating the hunter, RFC Bolen searched the area around his deer stand. No corn was found and this hunter was properly licensed. RFC Bolen asked this hunter about the empty corn bag in the back of the truck and he replied that the truck was not his but another club member who was hunting across the road. RFC Bolen again utilized K-9 Ruger to track this other hunter to the deer stand and located him within a couple of minutes. RFC Bolen also located a corn pile in front of the hunter's deer stand. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait.

HOUSTON COUNTY On the afternoon of September 6th, Cpl. Robert Stillwell and Sgt. Tony Fox responded to a complaint regarding persons hunting without permission. The three hunters, who were initially apprehended by local deputies after the landowner contacted the sheriff's office, were turned over to the Rangers upon their arrival. Due to landowner wishes all three were warned for the offense. Additionally, one hunter was charged for hunting without a license.
On September 11th RFC Tim Butler checked a hunting club with several baited areas he and Cpl. John Harkins had discovered the previous week. One individual was found hunting over the bait.
JASPER COUNTY On September 1st and 2nd RFC Billy Bryant presented programs on ATV safety, boating safety and hunting safety to fifth grade students in Jasper County. The programs were part of the C.H.A.M.P.S. program that the Sheriff's Office in Jasper County teaches.
JONES COUNTY On the evening of September 4th Sgt. Bo Kelly and Cpl. Bubba Stanford located three hunters hunting doves in a front yard of a residence. Further investigation led to one hunter being charged with hunting doves over bait and the land owner being charged with unlawful enticement. The other two hunters, who were juveniles, were not charged. The field had been top sewn with wheat and corn.
On September 11th RFC Josh Copelan checked a dove shoot outside of Gray. Six hunters were checked and the field was found to be baited with millet seed. The cases will be heard in Jones County probate court.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY On September 6th RFC Mitch Oliver received a complaint regarding divers in the Chattahoochee River in Columbus. Oliver and RFC Jeremy Bolen responded to the area and watched the area for approximately 45 minutes before making contact with one of the divers. It was determined the divers were removing artifacts from the bottom of the river and all suspected evidence was seized for further investigation. The two officers also interviewed another individual who was associated with this incident and learned that he too had been diving the area and removing artifacts. This subject was willing to identify what objects he had in his residence that had come from the river - these items were also seized as evidence for the investigation. RFC Oliver and RFC Bolen will be meeting with the state underwater archeologist in the next few days to determine the era and value of the artifacts in question.

On September 11th, RFC Jeremy Bolen was notified by Sgt. Brent Railey of a hunting incident that occurred in Pike County. The subject involved in the incident had been transported to the hospital in Columbus, Georgia. RFC Bolen went to the hospital to obtain the information of the events surrounding this hunting incident. Bolen learned that the man fell from a tree stand while hunting and appeared to have injuries to his back and arms. Bolen also learned that the hunter had consumed approximately 8 beers prior to hunting. A blood sample was obtained from the victim and will be sent to the GBI crime lab for testing for a possible hunting under the influence violation. This investigation is still pending.
PUTNAM COUNTY Shortly after noon on September 4th Cpl. Bubba Stanford located two hunters hunting doves. Further investigation led to the hunters being charged with hunting doves over bait due to cracked corn and milo having been broadcast in the field.
On September 9th Cpl. Bubba Stanford and Sgt. Bo Kelly checked a dove shoot outside Eatonton. The field was found to be baited with sunflower seeds. Fifteen hunters were issued citations and warnings for infractions.
TROUP COUNTY On September 5th Cpl. Jim Bradfield and intern Blake Middleton checked a dove field in the Rosemont area. The property owner had called the Ranger and asked for the field to be checked before they shot doves on the field. After checking this field Cpl Bradfield advised the property owner what needed to be done before shooting the area.
On the afternoon of September 5th Cpl. Jim Bradfield and intern Blake Middleton checked a dove shoot on Tin Bridge Rd north of LaGrange. This dove shoot was in a loading dock on a new clear-cut. There was wheat seed scattered on top of the ground in the loading dock and on the roads in the property. All eight of the hunters were charged with hunting doves over bait.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
SUMTER COUNTY On September 6th, Cpl. Tommy Lawrence was called to the local hospital in Americus about a person there with injuries received in a boating incident. When he got there, he learned that a man dove into two feet of water from a boat and had broken his neck. The investigation determined the victim was using the vessel as a swimming platform and was not considered a boating incident.
MARION COUNTY On September 5th, Sgt. Wade Law responded to an assistance request from the Marion County Sheriff's office about an ATV accident in a wooded area. Sgt. Law arrived to find EMS personnel stabilizing the victim. It was determined that he had been jumping terraces with the ATV.

SEMINOLE COUNTY On September 5th, Cpl. Mike Binion and RFC Jeff Phillips conducted a boat patrol on Lake Seminole and made 1 arrest for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.
On September 9th, Rangers from Region V attended the annual Tri-state meeting at Seminole State Park. This meeting is conducted so that officers from Georgia, Florida, and Alabama can get together to discuss Law Enforcement issues that may impact each state.
On September 11th, RFC Tony Cox patrolled Lake Seminole for hunters during the early Teal season opener. He wrote citations to 2 hunters for hunting out of season and confiscated 1 Wood duck. Another citation was issued for hunting without a Ga. Waterfowl license.
DECATUR COUNTY On September 11th, Sgt. Rick Sellars and RFC Tony Cox patrolled the Flint River and Lake Seminole for alligator hunters. Two citations were issued for hunting without the appropriate license.
BROOKS COUNTY On September 11th, RFC Jon Penuel checked several deer stands that had been previously documented as being baited for deer. The patrol resulted in one subject being charged for hunting big game over bait.
BAKER COUNTY On September 11th, Sgt. David Ruddell and RFC Randy Davis checked a dove shoot in North Baker County. Three subjects were cited for taking over the bag limit.
CLAY COUNTY On September 11th, Cpl. B.J. Foster patrolled a hunting lease in response to a citizen's complaint concerning hunting deer over bait. Two hunters were found and cited for hunting big game over bait and non-resident hunting without a license.
CHATTAHOOCHEE COUNTY Cpl. Steve Robinson presented a boating safety program to participants in the Chattahootchee County Volunteer Fire Department Bass Tournament.
WORTH COUNTY On September 11th, Cpl. Robbie Griner conducted a Hunter Education Class in Worth County. Fourteen students were certified.

Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
CLINCH COUNTY On September 6th, RFC Jason Shipes encountered several individuals hunting with hounds south of Homerville. After a brief discussion and license inspection, RFC Shipes learned that the subjects were hunting deer with dogs out of season. One subject was found to be in possession of a loaded .17 caliber rifle in the front seat. One citation and one warning were issued for hunting deer with dogs out of season. On September 12th, RFC Jason Shipes, Sgt. Patrick Dupree & USFWS Agent Jim Shelton checked three subjects actively hunting alligators on the Suwannee River in the area of Griffis' Landing. Two of the three hunters had failed to purchase the required licenses needed to hunt alligators in Georgia even though all three possessed valid quota permits and tags. Citations were issued for hunting without a license, hunting without alligator licenses and operating vessel without coast guard approved personal floatation devices. One warning for operating vessel with improper lights was also issued. The hunters had taken an alligator approximately seven feet long.
ATKINSON COUNTY On September 11th, RFC Tim Hutto and K9 Gauge checked several areas that were baited for deer archery hunting. K9 Gauge located one subject hunting approximately seven yards from shelled corn. The subject was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait and advised of Georgia's bait law. On September 11th, RFC Tim Hutto and K9 Gauge checked areas along the Satilla River for alligator hunting, boating, and fishing activity. The officer's patrol resulted in violations for fishing without a license and operating a vessel without life jackets.

BULLOCH COUNTY On September 4th-6th Cpl. Dave Sims checked five dove shoots located in the west Bulloch area. Verbal guidance was given to two hunters for hunting without the required HIP stamp on their license.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On the night of Sunday September 5th, Cpl. Eddie Akins and RFC Debbie Brannen worked the Savannah River checking alligator hunters. A total of two boats with alligator hunters were checked. No violations were detected and the hunters had not had any success in their efforts to locate and take any alligators.
SCREVEN COUNTY On September 11th, Cpl Shaymus McNeely encountered a group of hunters shooting doves in a cut cornfield off Halcyondale Road. Cpl. McNeely checked a total of 18 hunters. Citations were issued for: hunting without a license, failure to participate in migratory bird HIP and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
On September 12th, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely responded to a complaint on the Savannah River at Poor Robin of three persons shocking fish. Upon arrival at the scene, it was determined that the persons had taken off the river and left the area. Cpl. McNeely made contact with the complainant and discovered the complainant had followed the subjects into Effingham County before turning back. After meeting with the complainant, Cpl. McNeely was able to locate an address outside Springfield GA on Silver Hill Church Road for the owner of the vehicle and boat. Across the road from the Silver Hill Church address, Cpl. McNeely found fresh tracks on a woods road. and eventually located the suspect vehicle and boat hidden about a half mile in the woods. Two of the three subjects were located at the residence. The third individual remains unidentified. The men denied any involvement in fish shocking but admitted to being on the river in the Poor Robin area. The case remains under investigation.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRANTLEY COUNTY RFC Craig Smith began to look into the background of a subject that was involved in an earlier incident. Upon doing so it was found that the subject is a convicted felon. RFC Smith secured warrants and the subject was picked up a few days later.
BRYAN COUNTY On September 5th, RFC Isaac Strickland and Ranger Jack Thain patrolled the Ogeechee River at King's Ferry, checking 15 boaters. One person was cited for allowing a child under age 10 to ride in a vessel without a life jacket.

On September 6th, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Sgt. James Shelton patrolled the Ogeechee River upriver from King's Ferry ramp. One boater was cited for jumping the wake within 100 feet of another boat and for operating above idle speed within 100 feet of a bridge. A second boater was cited for failure to obey regulatory markers in the boat ramp idle zone.
CAMDEN COUNTY On September 6th, RFC Craig Smith was working late night patrol checking boat ramps. While doing so he noticed a vessel coming in without lights. Once the vessel stopped at the dock RFC Smith inspected the vessel for all the necessary safety equipment. The operator was cited for operating a vessel without lights. RFC Smith also assisted other vessels that did not have properly working lights.
On September 8th, RFC Craig Smith was on saltwater patrol in Camden County. RFC Smith observed a vessel pulling what seemed to be a trawl net in the Dungeness area, which is closed to shrimp trawling. After RFC Smith stopped the vessel, the operator stated that it was a trawl net and that he was attempting to catch shrimp to sell. The subject was cited for using power drawn nets in closed waters.
CHATHAM COUNTY On September 5th, Sgt. Tim Vincent and RFC Buster Cooper were on vessel patrol in the Bull River area and noticed a group of vessels with persons watching dolphins around a shrimp boat. An occupant of one of the vessels was making an attempt to attract the dolphins to his boat. The operator of the vessel was asked to tie up to a nearby commercial dock and the occupant making the attempt to attract the dolphins was given a Federal Warning for his actions.
GLYNN COUNTY On September 9th, Cpl Ron Harris cited 3 persons for possession of undersized fish on Terry Creek.
LIBERTY COUNTY On September 5th, Cpl. Phillip Scott and Sgt. James Shelton patrolled the St. Catherine's Sound area. Two boaters were cited for failure to obey the regulatory markers (Idle Speed) at Kilkenny Marina. The officers later found an abandoned Personal Watercraft (PWC) floating in St. Catherine's Sound. After searching the area for three hours for the operator, the operator arrived on the scene in another vessel after having been transported to shore to retrieve some gas for his empty, abandoned PWC. The operator was cited for operating a vessel without a registration.